Air-Fried Lobster Tails: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Lobster is a notoriously difficult dish to get right, but cooking lobster tails in an air fryer is an easy way to prepare this seafood favourite. It's also a quick and simple way to enjoy a fancy dinner without a lot of time and preparation.

Lobster tails cooked in the air fryer are tender and juicy, and this method locks in moisture and flavour. It's also a lot simpler than boiling or broiling, as you simply put the lobster in the air fryer and wait for the magic to happen.

To cook lobster tails in an air fryer, you'll need to butterfly the tails, air fry them with butter on top, and serve with extra butter for dipping, if desired.

Choosing the right lobster tails

Type of Water

Opt for cold water lobster tails as they have a superior taste and are sweeter. Cold water lobsters are also firmer and have a cleaner flavour profile. To identify them, look at the shell – warm water lobsters have black or yellow spots on their shells, while cold water tails do not. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask the seller about the source of their lobster tails.

Sodium Tripolyphosphate

Avoid lobster tails that have been soaked in sodium tripolyphosphate, as this can give the meat an ammonia taste. If the packaging doesn't specify, ask the seller about the processing methods used to be sure.

Size

Look for lobster tails that weigh between 5 and 12 ounces. This size range offers a good balance, ensuring a decent amount of meat without compromising on flavour.

Price

When it comes to lobster tails, it's often worth paying a little extra. Higher-priced lobster tails usually indicate better quality, and the difference in taste will make it worthwhile.

Freshness

While frozen lobster tails can be used, it's best to thaw them before cooking. Overnight thawing in the fridge or a faster method using a bag submerged in cold water are recommended. Cooking frozen lobster tails can lead to uneven cooking and toughness.

Remember, by choosing the right lobster tails, you're already on your way to creating a delicious and impressive meal. Enjoy your air-fried lobster tails!

Preparing the garlic butter

First, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. You can also melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, add in your garlic and any other seasonings you wish to include. Some recipes suggest adding lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, or paprika for extra flavour. Stir everything together until combined.

Now you have your garlic butter, you can brush it onto the lobster tails before placing them in the air fryer. You can also reserve some of the garlic butter to brush onto the lobster tails halfway through the cooking process.

Butterflying the lobster tails

Step 1: Cut the Lobster Tail Shell

Using a pair of kitchen shears, start cutting down the centre of the lobster tail shell, beginning from the end opposite to the tail fins. Cut through the top of the shell while being careful not to cut through the bottom shell. Stop cutting when you reach the tail fins.

Step 2: Spread Open the Shell

Use your thumbs and fingers to gently spread open the shell, just like opening a book. If the lobster meat is sticking to the shell, carefully separate it with your fingers.

Step 3: Add Skewers (Optional)

To prevent the lobster tails from curling during cooking, you can run a bamboo skewer through the centre of the butterflied lobster flesh, lengthwise. If your skewers are too long, trim them with kitchen shears.

Step 4: Season the Lobster Meat

At this point, you can season the lobster meat with salt and pepper. This step adds flavour to the lobster and prepares it for the air fryer.

Cooking the lobster tails

Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to cook your lobster tails in the air fryer. This process is simple and quick, and you'll have a delicious meal in no time!

First, you'll want to butterfly the lobster tails. Don't worry, this just means opening up the shell. Grab your kitchen shears and cut down the centre of the shell lengthwise, being careful not to cut through the bottom shell. You can also use your fingers to gently separate the lobster meat from the shell. Pull the meat upward and rest it on top of the shell. This process makes the lobster meat easier to eat and gives it a nice presentation.

Next, you'll create your garlic butter mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, crushed or minced garlic, lemon juice, and any desired seasonings such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. You can also add in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavour.

Now it's time to season the lobster tails. Brush the garlic butter mixture over the lobster meat generously. Make sure to get a good coating, as this will add flavour and help with browning.

With your lobster tails prepared, it's time to air fry! Place the tails into the air fryer basket, making sure they have enough space and aren't crowded. Set the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5-7 minutes for 4-ounce tails or 5-6 minutes for 5-ounce tails. The lobster is done when the meat is opaque and lightly browned. If you're cooking larger tails, adjust the cooking time accordingly, aiming for about 1 minute per ounce of lobster tail.

Once the lobster tails are cooked to perfection, you can serve them with melted butter, lemon wedges, and fresh herbs for a delicious and elegant meal. Enjoy your air-fried lobster tails!

Serving suggestions

Lobster tails cooked in an air fryer are a great option for a fancy dinner at home. They are incredibly tender and delicious, and can be served with a variety of sides to make a full meal. Here are some serving suggestions to go with your air-fried lobster tails:

Vegetable Sides

• Asparagus: Grilled asparagus can be a great complement to your lobster tails.
• Green vegetables: You can also sauté some green veggies like zucchini, green beans almondine, or try air-fried cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.
• Salad: Lobster pairs well with light salads, such as spring mix salad, pear salad, or Caprese salad.

Starch Sides

• Potatoes: Try roasted potatoes or baked sweet potatoes for a filling option, or keep it light with rutabaga or cauliflower mash.
• Noodles: You can cut the lobster meat into bite-sized pieces and toss them with a lemon butter sauce and noodles for a creamy lobster pasta.

Meat Sides

Steak: For a perfect date night or special occasion, serve your lobster tails with a good steak for a surf and turf meal.

Seafood Sides

• Crab cakes: If you're already making lobster tails, why not add some crab cakes to the menu?
• Clam chowder: For a comforting and creamy option, serve your lobster tails with a bowl of clam chowder.

Other Sides

• Risotto: Lemon risotto or lobster risotto can be an elegant and tasty accompaniment to your lobster tails.
• Garlic bread: For something more casual, but still delicious, try lobster grilled cheese.

Frequently asked questions